ZEISS Skylet®

Selective absorption for higher contrast

Skylet® is a high quality dip coating for the plastic range of lenses from ZEISS. Skylet® sun protection lenses have been specially designed for situations in which greater protection is required from UV light and glare, and special demands are made on contrast at the same time. As such sports as gliding, skiing, cycling or motorcycling are often performed in difficult light conditions, high contrast vision is of special importance, especially from the safety viewpoint.

The benefits for the wearer

Particularly suitable for all outdoor sports due to its high resistance to breakage and low weight

Attractive colours

Uniform light reduction irrespective of lens power

100% solar UV protection

Skylet® filters out annoying blue scatter

The Sunglass Lens with Special Transmission Properties

On the basis of recent scientific advances and numerous tests, the R&D department at ZEISS has specially developed Skylet® sunglass lenses to meet the requirements of extreme light conditions. The special feature of these lenses lies in their markedly reduced transmission for the short-wave portion of visible radiation. The result: even in diffuse light, Skylet® sunglass lenses provide outstanding contrast.

Compared to traditional sunglass lenses, Skylet® sunglass lenses display higher transmission in the region in which the eye is particularly sensitive (V λ = 555 nm). With the same level of light reduction as other lenses, Skylet® therefore appears to be subjectively brighter to the wearer, but provides the same protection against glare.

Blue is superimposed on and falsifies all other colours: the chromatic zones are shifted towards the blue corner

How does Scatter Influence Colour Vision?

Direct sunlight is always scattered, with the blue portion of light being subject to the greatest scatter. Our colour perception is influenced by this effect, as all colours contain a small portion of blue. This is why, for instance, we see the sky as blue.

Due to the blue portion, all chromatic zones are shifted towards blue. The closer the coordinates are to each other, the less contrast is seen. The result is glare and blurred outlines which are particularly annoying in extreme light conditions, e. g. in dazzling sunshine on water or in diffuse light on the ski-run.

Blue is superimposed on and falsifies all other colours: the chromatic zones are shifted towards the blue corner

Contrast Enhancement by Reducing the Blue Component of Light

Contrast-Enhancing Effect

The attenuation of the blue portion of the spectrum results in a marked enhancement in contrast, as the chromatic zones move away from blue and the distance separating them increases.

There is another reason why the attenuation of the blue region of the spectrum enhances contrast. Due to the relative myopia of the eye for short-wave radiation, blue light is bundled in front of the retina and superimposed on the other colours – vision becomes blurred.

Blue is superimposed on and falsifies all other colours: the chromatic zones are shifted towards the blue corner

Brightening Effect

Skylet® sunglass lenses reduce the blue portion to such an extent that the wearer enjoys clear vision. The best way to experience the contrast-enhancing effect of Skylet® lenses is to wear them outdoors on a sunny day. A comparison with traditional sunglass lenses will also show the brightening effect.

Skylet® sport Ideal for dazzling sunshine and strong glare, e. g. on glaciers, in high mountainous regions or for flying

All plastic lenses with the refractive index 1.5, 1.6 and 1.67 are available as Skylet® road, fun and sport.

The transmission curves of products with the refractive index 1.6 and 1.67 could differ from the lenses with the refractive index 1.5.

NEW! True UV protectionfrom all sides.

To offer patients true protection, ZEISS has developed an additional anti-reflective layer on the back of the lens, reducing the indirect light reflected into the eye and complementing the protection offered by ZEISS UVProtect Technology in all clear plastic lenses which blocks direct UV rays from the front.

More than 90% of UV radiation comes directly from the front. However, a minor part comes in indirectly from the sides and back. As some UV rays may be reflected onto the eye by the back surface of the lens, ZEISS antireflective coatings are designed to have low reflectance in the UV spectral range.

Back surface UV protection is now integrated as a standard feature into all premium ZEISS DuraVision coatings and the LotuTec coating.

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ZEISS is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of eyeglass lenses, and is committed to delivering maximum precision and comfort. ZEISS designs and produces lenses, instruments and measurement systems, as well as retail concepts and technology services that continue to raise the bar in vision care.